The original 1903 lighthouse was a simple wooden tower; the current concrete structure was built in 1933.
The lighthouse has been automated since 1963, removing the need for a resident keeper.
The park is maintained through a partnership between Metro Parks Tacoma and the Points Northeast Historical Society.
The Point Defiance-Tahlequah ferry route is visible from the shoreline.
The lighthouse lens was modernized in the 20th century, but the site maintains historical integrity regarding its navigational function.
Browns Point Lighthouse Park is a 3.4-acre waterfront site located on the northeastern tip of the Commencement Bay peninsula. The historic lighthouse, originally constructed in 1903, remains an active aid to navigation managed by the U.S. Coast Guard. Visitors can access the beach, which features rocky terrain and views of the Tacoma shipping channel and Mount Rainier. The grounds include a historic keeper's cottage, which occasionally hosts public tours and interpretive history displays. Park amenities include picnic tables, benches, and shoreline access for fishing. The site offers significant vantage points for observing deep-sea vessel traffic entering and exiting the Port of Tacoma.
From the beach at low tide, looking up at the lighthouse with the shipping channel in the background.
Bring binoculars to get a clearer view of the large container ships passing through the narrow channel.
Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes to navigate the rocky beach safely.
Check the tide charts before visiting if you intend to explore the shoreline extensively.
Do not attempt to climb or enter the lighthouse tower, as it is restricted federal property.
The lighthouse and keeper's cottage tours are seasonal and typically limited to summer weekend afternoons; the park grounds remain open year-round.
Respect the residential neighborhood surroundings; stay on marked paths to protect sensitive shoreline vegetation.
